The endogenous siRNA pathway in Drosophila impacts stress resistance and lifespan by regulating metabolic homeostasis.

Authors: Lim DH; Oh CT; Lee L; Hong JS; Noh SH; Hwang S; Kim S; Han SJ; Lee YS

Abstract: Small non-coding RNAs regulate gene expression in a sequence-specific manner. In Drosophila, Dicer-2 (Dcr-2) functions in the biogenesis of endogenous small interfering RNAs (endo-siRNAs). We identified 21 distinct proteins that exhibited a >/= 1.5-fold change as a consequence of loss of dcr-2 function. Most of these were metabolic genes implicated in stress resistance and aging. dcr-2 Mutants had reduced lifespan and were hypersensitive to oxidative, endoplasmic reticulum, starvation, and cold stresses. Furthermore, loss of dcr-2 function led to abnormal lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. Our results suggest roles for the endo-siRNA pathway in metabolic regulation and defense against stress and aging in Drosophila.

Keywords: Animals; Drosophila Proteins/genetics/metabolism; Drosophila melanogaster/*physiology; Energy Metabolism/*genetics; Female; Homeostasis/*genetics; *Life Expectancy; Male; RNA Helicases/genetics/metabolism; RNA Interference; RNA, Small Interfering/genetics/*metabolism; Ribonuclease III/genetics/metabolism; Stress, Physiological/*genetics
Journal: FEBS letters
Volume: 585
Issue: 19
Pages: 3079-85
Date: Sept. 6, 2011
PMID: 21889502
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Citation:

Lim DH, Oh CT, Lee L, Hong JS, Noh SH, Hwang S, Kim S, Han SJ, Lee YS (2011) The endogenous siRNA pathway in Drosophila impacts stress resistance and lifespan by regulating metabolic homeostasis. FEBS letters 585: 3079-85.


Study Lifespan Factors:
  • Dcr-2 Dicer-2


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